Mackay Cutters face their toughest task: the Seagulls

SKILLS Training Mackay Cutters face their toughest task yet on Easter Sunday when they travel south to take on two-time defending premiers the Wynnum Seagulls.

While the side gained some much-needed confidence out of last week's win at home against the Capras, this away match will be a real test of character.

Cutters centre Michael Comerford has indicated that the Cutters will definitely need to go up another notch or two to compete with the premiers.

"We are fully aware of what is in front of us. They are a complete side right across the park, and then of course you have to deal with the Chook Pen," he said.

The Wynnum crowd is known to always bring plenty of atmosphere to the game and when their team is on top the opposition know about. This is something that Comerford in particular relishes.

"You don't really hear it to be honest. When you play Wynnum the on field action is intense enough so you tend to block out what is happening in the outer," he said.

The Cutters have made several changes to the side that defeated the Capras. Tyson Martin has been replaced in the starting line-up by Chris Gesch. Martin has been suspended by the match review committee for three weeks for a grade 2 dangerous throw, ruling him out until the Cutters take on Norths in Round Six. Head coach Kim Williams is confident with the selection.

"No doubt the loss of Tyson is significant. He has been a leading performer for the Cutters for a number of years. In saying that, I said after last week's game that Chris Gesch was a stand-out performer. He thoroughly deserves his elevation to the starting line-up and will cover the role," Williams said.

The other significant change will be the return of Sam Hoare from injury.

Hoare missed last week with a slight hamstring strain but is expected to complete full training this week and take his place in the side.